Among the exhibits brought by the members of the “Rowery Zabytkowe Zabrze” Association we could see several German-made vehicles, such as Stricker, Adler Herold, Sun-Heil, and Polish — such as “Polish Sports Bike” from the 1930s — Wooden hoops made it very light — explained Adam Wojtyczka from the Association. There was also “Łucznik” produced by the State Armament Factories.

The elegant red women’s bike of the Germania brand from 1936 was eye-catching. The rear wheel has a colorful mesh that protects the skirt from getting caught between the spokes of the bike.

— Some of the bikes have original tires — said Michał Cieślik, chairman of the Association.

The unusual bicycle with a bottle box in front of the handlebars was clearly visible. — It’s a transport bike — explained Cieślik. — We reconstructed it on the basis of an old frame, on the basis of a photo — shows an old photo of a shopkeeper Helmut Lipiński standing in front of a shop in Zabrze. There is such a bicycle in front of the shop window, with an advertising sign on the frame. — This seller was a local precursor of home delivery shopping, such a bicycle was used for this.

The variety of vehicles also made it possible to learn about… the history of bicycle lighting. — Here is a candle lamp, cushioned — the reenactors showed. — Here is a carbide one, including a kerosene bike, and here — in a Sun Heil vehicle, there is a dynamo and a battery-operated light with shock absorption. On the Patria bicycle, the bicycle lamp can be removed to serve as a flashlight. — This solution is used especially in military bicycles — said Adam Wojtyczka.

The collection of the “Rowery Zabytkowe Zabrze” Association began with military equipment. — We had old uniforms, but when other reconstruction groups become specialized in weapons, we decided to get a military bicycle. Over time, the Association become specialized in the reconstruction of the 1930s and 1940s with an emphasis on the realities of everyday life — said the president wearing an elegant gray suit. Are there original elements in his outfit? Yes, shoes, sock garters and a tie. — he was pointing.

— I am wearing an original set from the 1940s —- said Paulina Nowak. The fashion of that time required waist to be emphasized. Here we used an overskirt, which frames it. Magdalena Cieślik in an intensely blue suit — as she said, sewn on the basis of an original pattern — drew attention to details in her friends’ outfits: collars, puffs emphasizing the shoulder line, glass buttons. — My dress has plastic in it — laughed Karolina Michalik in patterned clothes — but I have original shoes and a handbag — she emphasized.

— We must remember that we are confused by black and white photographs from those years — pointed out one of the reconstructors. — The fashion of the 30s and 40s was colorful, although during the occupation there was indeed a lot of black color.

The richness of clothes, both for men and women, was additionally presented by the reenactors at a specially prepared fashion show.